In a significant achievement for both her and the community, Taylor Heise, a 25-year-old from Lake City, Minnesota, has been named to the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team for the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games in Italy. This announcement, made on Friday, marks her as the first athlete from southeastern Minnesota to earn a place on the Olympic women’s hockey team. Heise’s journey to this point is a testament to her perseverance and dedication to the sport.
The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Heise, who has had a stellar career at both the high school and collegiate levels, will represent the United States on one of the world’s largest sports stages.
A Journey Defined by Determination
Heise’s commitment to hockey has remained steadfast since her childhood. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I kind of have to be my best self every day… it’s the drive to know that there are people watching me, and there are young girls that want to be in my position.” This mindset has propelled her forward, especially after experiencing disappointment during the 2022 Olympics, where she was named an alternate but ultimately did not play.
Her coach at the University of Minnesota, Brad Frost, remarked on her resilience, stating, “That disappointment can either break people or it can make them stronger. Taylor is the type of person who, she used that as motivation.” Following that setback, Heise turned her focus to her collegiate career, securing the Patty Kazmaier Award for the top player in women’s college hockey and being named an All-American.
Impressive Track Record
Heise’s accomplishments on the ice are notable. After a remarkable high school career at Red Wing High School, where she scored 216 goals in six seasons, she went on to play for the University of Minnesota. During her time there, she amassed 96 goals and 129 assists, totaling 226 points. In addition to her individual accolades, she contributed to her team’s success, helping them secure multiple championships.
Internationally, Heise has also made her mark. She participated in four Women’s World Championships, winning gold medals in both 2023 and 2025. Her performance during her first championship was particularly striking, earning her the title of tournament MVP with seven goals and 18 points in just seven games.
With her recent selection for the Olympic team, Heise has fulfilled a lifelong dream that began when she first learned to skate on a small outdoor rink in Lake City. Her mother, Amy Heise, recalls the initial reluctance to support Taylor’s hockey aspirations, but ultimately, “people were saying that she’s so naturally good, you need to look at other avenues for her to play.”
As the Olympic Games approach, anticipation builds not only for Heise’s performance but also for the representation of her home region on an international platform. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls who see their dreams reflected in her achievements.
The U.S. also announced its men’s hockey roster for the 2026 Games, which includes notable players from the Minnesota Wild as well as former Lakeville North goalie Jake Oettinger, now with the Dallas Stars. The excitement surrounding the Olympics continues to build as athletes prepare to showcase their talents on the world stage.